Carshalton Downed in FA Cup
Carshalton were knocked out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle, despite a spirited display, as South London progressed to the next round.
It was a historic day for Carshalton Athletic, as the women’s side – only formed in 2024 – played their first game in the FA Cup. After a promising pre-season, expectations were high, and the travelling contingent of Robins supporters were hopeful of seeing a win as the ‘Road to Wembley’ got underway. Carshalton fielded a strong line-up and made two changes from last week’s friendly against Tonbridge Angels, with Bell and Parnell coming into the starting XI.
The first ten minutes passed with little incident, both sides settling into the game on what was a very windy afternoon at The Griffin Sports Club. The tie, originally scheduled to be played on a 4G pitch, was switched at late notice to a grass surface – something that made things difficult for both sides, particularly Carshalton, who struggled to play their usual passing game on the bumpy pitch.
In the 12th minute, Carshalton took the lead. Georgie Edwards played a long ball forward looking for Badley. The forward chased down a defender attempting to head the ball back to the onrushing goalkeeper, but the header looped over the keeper’s head, allowing the pacey Badley to tap the ball into an empty net. It was the perfect start for the Robins, who began to gain a foothold in the game.
On 20 minutes, Carshalton thought they had doubled their lead. Evie Nebbitt, a long-throw specialist, launched one in from the right-hand side. The ball bounced over everyone – including the goalkeeper – and into the net, sparking celebrations among some of the Carshalton fans. However, as the ball hadn’t touched anyone on its way through, the referee correctly signalled for a goal kick.
Carshalton went close again shortly after. A pinpoint corner from Bell found captain Georgie Edwards, whose header flew just over the bar.
Despite keeping South London quiet in the early stages, the home side began to grow into the game. In the 34th minute, they had their first clear-cut chance, and Yarrow was forced into a good save with her feet. The pressure continued, and in the 37th minute, South London equalised. A well-worked move down the right ended with a ball played into the box, where the South London number 8 struck a powerful effort past Yarrow.
Things went from bad to worse just two minutes later. Another well-taken goal from just inside the box found the bottom corner to put South London 2–1 ahead. Frustration grew for the Robins, and captain Georgie Edwards was cautioned for a challenge in the middle of the park. Carshalton had one final chance before the break – Badley held off a defender and got a shot away, but it was well saved by the goalkeeper.
Needing at least one goal in the second half to stay in the tie, manager Lamont made a change, bringing on winger Hudson-Odoi in place of Parnell. South London started the half as they had ended the first, forcing another save from Yarrow early on.
Carshalton introduced Allen for Ward, and the Robins began pushing for an equaliser. Badley went close again, this time sending a shot just over the bar. Edwards then curled a free-kick into the danger area, causing panic in the South London defence, but the ball was eventually saved and cleared.
In the 72nd minute, South London extended their lead to 3–1. A cross from the right beat everyone – including Yarrow – and sailed into the net. It was a sucker punch for the Robins, who had looked the more likely to score at that stage.
Lamont responded with further attacking changes, bringing on McCrea and Dulley as Carshalton threw the kitchen sink at their opponents. Yarrow made another strong save to keep the scoreline down, and moments later Carshalton had a golden chance. Badley, again at the heart of things, unleashed a powerful shot that seemed destined for the bottom corner, but the South London goalkeeper pulled off a stunning low save.
As time ticked away, Underhill delivered a dangerous ball from the right that found substitute Dulley at the far post, but her effort could only find the side netting.
The referee brought an end to a frustrating afternoon for Carshalton, who bowed out of this season’s FA Cup at the first time of asking. They’ll now need to rest and regroup ahead of next Sunday’s opening league fixture away to Manorcroft – a tough test against the newly promoted team.
Up Next
Date: Sunday, 14th September 2025
Opponents: Manorcroft United Women
Competition: League
KO: 2pm
Venue: Coopers Hill Recreation Ground
Admissions: FREE
